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Don't be foolish! Rodgers warning for Sterling as contract talks drag on
By Dominic King
PUBLISHED: 17:45 EST, 29 November 2012 | UPDATED: 17:45 EST, 29 November 2012
Brendan Rodgers has warned Raheem Sterling he would be foolish not to pledge his future to Liverpool as he reminded the winger of the chance he has been given.
The latest round of talks this week between Liverpool managing director Ian Ayre and Sterling’s advisors ended without a formal offer being made but Rodgers remains confident negotiations will reach a successful conclusion.
Premier League rules mean Sterling cannot sign a long-term contract until his 18th birthday – which is on December 8 – but, after the latest twist, some doubts have been raised as to whether Liverpool will reach an agreement to announce a deal on that date.
Friendly warning: Brendan Rodgers wants Raheem Sterling to commit to Liverpool
Rodgers has been adamant all along that Liverpool will not make Sterling a multi-millionaire overnight but there will be concerns that if talks stall, some of their rivals would be willing to pay lucrative terms.
'I think it is important for the club that we sign our young talents,' said Rodgers. 'But I think it is even more important for Raheem. This is a club that is going to give young players and opportunity.
'He has played more games than he could have dreamed of this season, both in the Premier League and the Europa League. Liverpool Football Club has given him the chance to become a full international player.
'So I would think if I am Raheem Sterling and his agents I would look to tie it up very quickly. This contract won’t be the biggest contract of his life. It is when he actually achieves something. What he has shown just now is fantastic potential.'
As yet there have been no official enquiries for the England international, who made his senior debut against Sweden earlier this month, but Rodgers has made it clear that Sterling should think long and hard about what is on offer for him at Anfield.
Flyer: Sterling has featured in all but one of Liverpool's Premier League games
'His next contract and the one after that (will be the big ones),' said Rodgers. 'But this is Liverpool Football Club. If you are 17 years of age and you are playing regularly you would be very foolish not to commit yourself very quickly.
'I am confident it is something that will be sorted out very soon.'
Sterling has started 13 of Liverpool’s 14 Barclays Premier League games this season and Rodgers admitted that he will have to find a suitable point in the coming weeks to take him out of the firing line. The problem is, though, that Sterling has been one of Liverpool’s best players.
'He still has technical elements he needs to improve upon and tactical elements,' said Rodgers. 'But one of the biggest things is psychological at this level – real mental fatigue can set in. He's been terrific so far, one of our leading players. But at some point he will need that breather.'
Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/foo...#ixzz2DjByQ71d
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By Dominic King
PUBLISHED: 17:45 EST, 29 November 2012 | UPDATED: 17:45 EST, 29 November 2012
Brendan Rodgers has warned Raheem Sterling he would be foolish not to pledge his future to Liverpool as he reminded the winger of the chance he has been given.
The latest round of talks this week between Liverpool managing director Ian Ayre and Sterling’s advisors ended without a formal offer being made but Rodgers remains confident negotiations will reach a successful conclusion.
Premier League rules mean Sterling cannot sign a long-term contract until his 18th birthday – which is on December 8 – but, after the latest twist, some doubts have been raised as to whether Liverpool will reach an agreement to announce a deal on that date.
Friendly warning: Brendan Rodgers wants Raheem Sterling to commit to LiverpoolRodgers has been adamant all along that Liverpool will not make Sterling a multi-millionaire overnight but there will be concerns that if talks stall, some of their rivals would be willing to pay lucrative terms.
'I think it is important for the club that we sign our young talents,' said Rodgers. 'But I think it is even more important for Raheem. This is a club that is going to give young players and opportunity.
'He has played more games than he could have dreamed of this season, both in the Premier League and the Europa League. Liverpool Football Club has given him the chance to become a full international player.
'So I would think if I am Raheem Sterling and his agents I would look to tie it up very quickly. This contract won’t be the biggest contract of his life. It is when he actually achieves something. What he has shown just now is fantastic potential.'
As yet there have been no official enquiries for the England international, who made his senior debut against Sweden earlier this month, but Rodgers has made it clear that Sterling should think long and hard about what is on offer for him at Anfield.
Flyer: Sterling has featured in all but one of Liverpool's Premier League games'His next contract and the one after that (will be the big ones),' said Rodgers. 'But this is Liverpool Football Club. If you are 17 years of age and you are playing regularly you would be very foolish not to commit yourself very quickly.
'I am confident it is something that will be sorted out very soon.'
Sterling has started 13 of Liverpool’s 14 Barclays Premier League games this season and Rodgers admitted that he will have to find a suitable point in the coming weeks to take him out of the firing line. The problem is, though, that Sterling has been one of Liverpool’s best players.
'He still has technical elements he needs to improve upon and tactical elements,' said Rodgers. 'But one of the biggest things is psychological at this level – real mental fatigue can set in. He's been terrific so far, one of our leading players. But at some point he will need that breather.'
Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/foo...#ixzz2DjByQ71d
Follow us: @MailOnline on Twitter | DailyMail on Facebook
Paul Marin -19 is one thing, 20 is a whole other matter. It gets even worse if they win the UCL. *groan*. 
05/18/2011.MU fans naah cough, but all a unuh a vomit?-Lazie 1/11/2015
I am not a Chelsea nor Rafa supporter Jangle. Thanks.
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